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Category: Vision Health

  • What's an Omega-3 Index And Why is it Important to Your Health?

    What's an Omega-3 Index And Why is it Important to Your Health?

    Omega-3 fatty acids are essential and required for human life. While many know the importance of omega fatty acids as part of a healthy lifestyle, it hasn’t been clear how low amounts of fatty acids in the blood are also linked to all types of death including heart disease and cancer until now.

    A recent analysis consisting of 17 perspective studies and consisting of more than 40,000 participants over 16 years has shown a 15-18% lowered risk of all causes of death based on higher polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in the blood. It is important to detect early signs of omega-fatty acid deficiencies for supplement therapy to aid in reducing the incidence of disease and risk of premature death.

    While the analysis does not show how polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) were consumed by each participant, it’s important to recognize the best sources. The best sources of PUFAs are found in sea life, mostly cold-water fish. Fish have the highest concentrations of PUFA’s as well as the best ratio of omega-3 EPA and DHA which reduces chronic inflammation—the root cause of most diseases. 

    Omega-3 fatty acids 3, 6 and 9 also contribute to multiple biological roles, such as influencing inflammation, reducing oxidative stress and presenting neuroprotection and cardiovascular protection. There are 100 billion neurons that make up your brain consisting of 60% PUFAs, and every cell in the human body has a cell membrane made of PUFAs. We are made entirely out of cells and cellular performance is key to maintaining optimal health.

    Quality fish oil supplements have an excellent ratio of omega-3 EPA and DHA and come without the harmful toxins such as mercury found in fish. A study in the UK shows taking fish oil supplements lowers the risk of cardiovascular and all diseases across 427,000 participants. “The Heart and Soul” study shows that lower levels of whole blood EPA and DHA levels are associated with all causes of mortality and an accelerated rate of telomere shortening over a 5-year period. Accelerated telomere shortening is associated with a shorter lifespan.

    We’re all looking for the lifestyle improvements we can make to not only maintain but improve our health outcomes. According to this analysis, we can live a longer, fuller life with less disease by managing the omega-3 levels in our blood. Because omega-3s have a powerful influence on the health of every cell we have, we can expect to have more energy, vitality, and quality of life to continue to do the things we love longer.

    References:


    1. https://www.nutraceuticalsworld.com/contents/view_breaking-news/2021-04-23/study-finds-omega-3-index-is-strong-risk-predictor-of-premature-death
    2. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12442909/
    3. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32131999/
    4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3058601/
  • Latest Study Indicates Low Omega-3 Index Linked to Premature Death

    Latest Study Indicates Low Omega-3 Index Linked to Premature Death

    Omega-3 fatty acids are essential and required for human life. While many know the importance of omega fatty acids as part of a healthy lifestyle, it hasn’t been clear how low amounts of fatty acids in the blood are also linked to all types of death including heart disease and cancer until now. A recent analysis1 consisting of 17 perspective studies consisting of more than 40,000 participants over a 16-year span has shown a 15-18% lowered risk of all causes of death based on higher polyunsaturated acids (PUFAs) in the blood.

    While the analysis does not show how polyunsaturated acids (PUFAs) were consumed by each participant, it’s important to recognize the best sources. The best sources of PUFAs are found in sea life such as cold-water fish. Fish have the highest concentrations of PUFA’s as well as the best ratio of omega-3 EPA and DHA which reduces chronic inflammation—the root cause of most diseases. 

    Not all forms of omega-3 fatty acids in the blood show a lower risk of death in the 15,720 participants who died in the study. For instance, there is no link to a reduced death risk seen in blood levels of 18 carbon omega-3 and alpha-linoleic acid, both of which come from plant-based sources such as flaxseed, hempseed, and chia. Alpha-linoleic acid (ALA) are short-chain omega-3 fatty acids. Though plant-based ALA is beneficial, DHA and EPA have more potent health benefits than ALA omega-3 fatty acids have. A person must consume a copious amount of plant-based foods to gain the same benefits equivalent to a single serving of cold water fish.

    Omega-3 fatty acids 3, 6, and 9 also contribute to multiple biological roles, such as influencing inflammation, reducing oxidative stress, and presenting neuroprotection and cardiovascular protection. There are 100 billion neurons that make up your brain consisting of 60% PUFAs, and every cell in the human body has a cell membrane made of PUFAs. We are made entirely out of cells and cellular performance is key to maintaining optimal health.

    Quality fish oil supplements have an excellent ratio of omega-3 EPA and DHA and come without the harmful toxins such as mercury found in fish. A study in the UK shows taking fish oil supplements lowers the risk of cardiovascular and all diseases across 427,000 participants.3  “The Heart and Soul” study5 also shows that lower whole blood EPA and DHA levels are associated with all causes of mortality and an accelerated rate of telomere shortening over a 5-year period. Accelerated Telomere shortening is associated with a shorter lifespan.

    Clinical Significance of measuring omega-3 & 6 fatty acids in the blood.

    1. Monitoring of omega fatty acids in the blood provides a baseline and monitoring of individuals known to have a cardiovascular disease to determine prescription compliance
    2. Monitor individuals who are taking omega fatty acid supplement therapy to manage the effectiveness of treatment.
    3. Detect early signs of omega fatty acid deficiencies for the purpose of supplement therapy to reduce the incidence of disease and risk of premature death1,2

    Should you choose to have your doctor test your omega fatty acid levels in your blood, the reference ranges are as follows.

    Omega-3 (EPA+DHA) Index1.4-4.9 %

    Risk
    Optimal>3.2 %
    Moderate2.2-3.2 %
    High<2.2 %

    Omega-6/Omega-3 Ratio 5.7-21.3

    EPA/Arachidonic Acid Ratio ≤0.2

    Arachidonic Acid 5.2-12.9 %

    EPA0.2-1.5 %

    DHA1.2-3.9 %

    PHOTO SOURCE: https://www.fda.gov/food/consumers/advice-about-eating-fish 4

    We’re all looking for the lifestyle improvements we can make to not only maintain but improve our health outcomes. According to this analysis, we can live a longer fuller life with less disease by managing the omega-3 levels in our blood. Because omega 3’s powerful influence on the health of every cell we have, we can expect to have more energy, vitality, and quality of life to continue to do the things we love longer. 

    References:

    1. https://www.nutraceuticalsworld.com/contents/view_breaking-news/2021-04-23/study-finds-omega-3-index-is-strong-risk-predictor-of-premature-death
    2. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12442909/
    3. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32131999/
    4. PHOTO SOURCE: https://www.fda.gov/food/consumers/advice-about-eating-fish
    5. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3058601/

  • What's the Importance of Omega-3 Fatty Acids for Heart Health?

    What's the Importance of Omega-3 Fatty Acids for Heart Health?

    A growing number of experts agree that omega-3 fatty acids affect almost every body system.

    We all know that our heart is a muscle and needs exercise for optimal health. And we know the importance of a healthy diet for heart health. But do you know how essential omega-3 fatty acids are for your heart?

    The National Institutes of Health (NIH) says that omega-3 fatty acids affect almost every body system and numerous health conditions. Some of the interest in omega-3s is traced back to observations that Greenland Inuit people (who have a high diet in fish oils) have lower serum cholesterol, triglycerides and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) than might be expected.

    How to get your omega-3s

    The Harvard Medical School Guide, Understanding Inflammation, suggests a few specific foods that provide healthy doses of omega-3 fatty acids, which have long been shown to reduce inflammation:

    • Olive oil
    • Flaxseed oil
    • Fatty fish (salmon, sardines and mackerel)

    NIH reports that evidence has been mounting over recent years for the positive effects of omega-3s for heart health, as well as other disease processes and risk factors. Here are a few of the areas positively affected by omega-3 intake:

    • Cardiovascular: Perhaps the most well-known effects of omega-3s are on the cardiovascular system (CS). And dietary fish consumption and fish oil supplementation have been studied on coronary artery disease (CAD), arrhythmias, heart failure, and hypertension.
    • Ophthalmological: Dietary intake of omega 3s may benefit age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and dry eye syndrome. In fact, several studies have shown a decreased risk of AMD when people ate fish two or more times per week. And people with dry eye syndrome (DES) are linked to a decreased dietary intake of omega-3s or a high ratio of dietary omega-6.
      And people with dry eye syndrome (DES) are linked to a decreased dietary intake of omega-3s or a high ratio of dietary omega-6.
    • Other Body Systems: Additionally, there are even more health conditions and body systems affected by dietary intake of omega-3 fatty acids to include neurological and psychological, dermatological (skin conditions), and arthritis and joint health.

    Add omega-3s to your diet today!

    If you would like to add an extra measure to ensure you get the omega-3 fatty acids your body needs, please consider our [TVBLOGCOPY]Omega3 Prime[/TVBLOGCOPY][MWSBLOGCOPY]Omega3 Prime[/MWSBLOGCOPY] supplement. You can also stack up on VitaPoints!

    You can read the full article from the National Institutes of Health by clicking here.

  • What's the Importance of Omega-3 Fatty Acids for Brain Health?

    What's the Importance of Omega-3 Fatty Acids for Brain Health?

    A growing number of experts agree that omega-3 fatty acids affect almost every body system.

    Research has documented the connection between omega-3s in several neurological and psychological conditions. A recent study found a correlation between omega-3 fatty acids that are related to an increased risk in Alzheimer’s.

    How to get your omega-3s

    The Harvard Medical School Guide, Understanding Inflammation, suggests a few specific foods that provide healthy doses of omega-3 fatty acids, which have long been shown to reduce inflammation:

    • Olive oil
    • Flaxseed oil
    • Fatty fish (salmon, sardines and mackerel)

    The National Institutes of Health says that omega-3 fatty acids affect almost every body system and numerous health conditions. Some of the interest in omega-3s is traced back to observations that Greenland Inuit people (who have a high diet in fish oils) have lower serum cholesterol, triglycerides and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) than might be expected.

    Evidence has been mounting over recent years for the positive effects on various disease processes and risk factors. Let’s look at a few of the areas positively affected by omega-3 intake, including brain health:

    • Neurological and psychological conditions: The relationship between omega-3 intake and these conditions is grounded in known aspects of brain and neuron physiology. Adequate omega-3 intake seems to help prevent cognitive decline in people’s middle and later years.
      Omega-3 fatty acids have also been studied in the context of attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism and depression. They have found that some children respond to omega-3 supplementation.
    • Cardiovascular: Perhaps the most well-known effects of omega-3s are on the cardiovascular system (CS). And dietary fish consumption and fish oil supplementation have been studied on coronary artery disease (CAD), arrhythmias, heart failure, and hypertension.
    • Ophthalmological: Dietary intake of omega 3s may benefit age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and dry eye syndrome. In fact, several studies have shown a decreased risk of AMD when people ate fish two or more times per week.
      And people with dry eye syndrome (DES) are linked to a decreased dietary intake of omega-3s or a high ratio of dietary omega-6.
    • Other Body Systems: Additionally, there are even more health conditions and body systems affected by dietary intake of omega-3 fatty acids to include dermatological (skin conditions), and arthritis and joint health.

    Add omega-3s to your diet today!

    If you would like to add an extra measure to ensure you get the omega-3 fatty acids your body needs, please consider our [TVBLOGCOPY]Omega3 Prime[/TVBLOGCOPY][MWSBLOGCOPY]Omega3 Prime[/MWSBLOGCOPY] supplement. You can also stack up on VitaPoints!

    Click here to read the full article by the National Institutes of Health.

  • At the “Heart” of Good Health: Omega-3 Fatty Acids

    At the “Heart” of Good Health: Omega-3 Fatty Acids

    By Samuel Grief, M.D. Scientists often discover health breakthroughs by good luck and circumstance. In the 1960s a researcher studied why Canada’s northern Eskimos weren’t suffering from heart disease as much as other North Americans, even though the Eskimos were eating a diet very high in fat (seal and polar bear flesh). It turned out that the flesh of these animals, and certain northern fish, was rich in a type of fat known as omega-3. Omega-3 fatty acids are a type of polyunsaturated fatty acids. But omega-3s are unique in adjusting cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood in a way that benefits our heart and arteries. Further research has clarified the now-accepted fact that omega-3 fatty acids do not clog our arteries. More importantly, omega-3s actually help thin the blood and lower levels of circulating fatty acids in the blood. These last two effects are probably why the Eskimos staved off widespread heart disease.

    Prescribed to lower disease risk

    Omega-3s are now prescribed by physicians to help lower the risk of heart disease. In fact, the American Heart Association and other medical authorities in the U.S. and around the world also recommend a diet rich in omega-3s and taking a supplement in varying doses, depending on your health status and medical conditions. Omega-3s have been studied for many other medical conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes and abnormal heart rhythms. Science confirms that there is indeed a positive impact on these conditions when taking anywhere from 2,000–4,000 milligrams of omega-3s daily. Omega-3s are now incorporated into infant formulas as a way of enhancing brain development. After all, the brain is 60% fat—what better way to nourish a growing child’s brain than by giving that child a healthy form of fat? You can get your omega-3 supply from fatty fish—typically salmon, tuna, halibut, sea bass and some predatory fish like king mackerel, swordfish and others. Be careful not to overeat the large, predatory fatty fish as they also contain more potentially harmful heavy metals such as mercury. Some plant foods contain the precursor to omega-3s, known as Alpha Linolenic Acid (ALA). ALA is found in walnuts, tofu and many seeds. For good health, eat a healthy and balanced diet, and get your daily dose of omega-3 fatty acids. This article is intended for educational purposes only. Graphic used with permission from GOED, the Global Organization for EPA and DHA Omega-3s.
    References: Omega-3 fatty acids, fish oil, alpha-linolenic evidence. Mayo Clinic. Retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/omega-3-fatty-acids-fish-oil-alpha-linolenic-acid/evidence/hrb-20059372. Kris-Etherton PM, Harris WS, Apple LJ. American Heart Association Nutrition Committee. Fish Consumption, fish oil, omega-3 fatty acids, and cardiovascular disease. 2002. Circulation. 106:2747-2757. National Institutes of Health. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Third Report of the National Cholesterol Education Program Expert panel on Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Cholesterol in Adults (Adult Treatment Panel III). 2001. NIH Publication Number 01-3670. Washington, DC. [online] Retrieved from http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/guidelines/cholesterol/atp3full.pdf. Vannice G and Rasmussen H (2014). Position of the academy of nutrition and dietetics: dietary Fatty acids for healthy adults. J Acad Nutr Diet 2014. 114:136-153. [online] Retrieved from http://download.journals.elsevierhealth.com/pdfs/journals/2212-2672/PIIS2212267213016729.pdf.
  • The Benefits of Fish Oil

    The Benefits of Fish Oil

    How adding fish oil to your diet can help

    All saturated and monosaturated fats can be made by the body and do not need to be supplied through the diet. However, the body is unable to make two types of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) that have been shown to have much beneficial health effects1:
    • Alpha-linolenic acid (Omega-3) found in flaxseed, flax oil, spinach, broccoli
    • Linoleic acid (Omega-6) found in soy oil, sesame seeds, corn oil, and most nuts
    Thus, ALA and LA are considered essential fatty acids and need to be obtained from the diet.

    Brain and Nerve Health Support2,3

    • Approximately two-thirds of the human brain is made of fat
    • Omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA are among the most important brain health nutrients
    • DHA is the primary structural component of the brain
    • Omega-3 and Omega-6 PUFAs constitute 30-35% of total brain fatty acids
    • DHA levels decrease with age and are affected by the number of fatty acids in the diet

    Vision Support4,5

    • DHA is also critical for the development and function of the retina

    Healthy Heart5,6

    Omega-3 EPA/DHA:
    • May decrease triglyceride levels in plasma as well as the level of total and LDL (bad) cholesterol
    • May normalize blood pressure by helping to increase and decrease levels of compounds that may result in blood vessel relaxation

    Are Americans meeting nutritional guidelines for Omega-3 fatty acids? 7

    • The 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend consuming 250 mg/day of Omega-3 fatty acids (two 4 oz. servings of seafood/week)

    Premium Fish Oil in an Easy-to-Swallow Soft Gel

    If you’re considering adding Omega-3 to your diet, consider Omega3Prime supplements from TriVita, one of the cleanest, purest, and traceable fish oils on the market.
    Sources:
    1. http://web.stanford.edu/group/hopes/cgi-bin/hopes_test/fatty-acids/#saturated-vs-unsaturated-fat
    2. Luchtman DW, et al. Neuropharmacology 2013;64:550-565
    3. http://www.nutrasource.ca/uploads/userfiles/images/omega-3s%20and%20the%20brain%20-resized-600.png
    4. Innis SM. J Nutr 2007;137(4);855-859; Deckelbaum RJ, et al. J Nutr 2012;587S-591S; Wiktorowska A, et al. Adv Clin Exp Med 2015;24(6):931-941
    5. Wiktorowska A, et al. Adv Clin Exp Med 2015;24(6):931-941
    6. Bradberry JC, et al. P&T 2013;38(11):681-691
    7. Papanikolaou Y, et al. Nutr J 2014;13:31